Steps Along the Grain

Holding my small card upright like a dancer's fan, I set one foot carefully in front of the other along the straight seam of the cedar floor. I wanted to see if I could complete a full ceremonial turn without stepping off the dark line. Sinking my weight gently into my knees, I paused to find my balance, then pushed softly off my toes. My wide sleeves fluttered out like pale leaves as I spun, gliding around until my heels clicked back together right on the groove. When I came to a steady stop without a single wobble, a quiet smile spread across my face.